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Raja miraletus, commonly known as the Brown Ray or Razza quattrocchi, is a species of skate belonging to the family Rajidae. It is characterized by its flattened, rhomboidal disc and a relatively short, stout tail. The dorsal surface is typically brownish or grayish, often adorned with distinctive ocellated spots, which give rise to its common name 'quattrocchi' (four eyes) in Italian, referring to the two prominent eye-like spots on each pectoral fin. This demersal species inhabits sandy or muddy bottoms in coastal waters.
Caratteristiche fisiche
- Forma del corpo
- flat
- Colorazione
- Dorsal surface typically light brown to grayish-brown, often with numerous small dark spots and two prominent, ocellated (eye-like) spots on each pectoral fin, usually with a dark center and a lighter ring. Ventral surface is white or cream-colored.
- Tipo di squame
- placoid
- Posizione della bocca
- inferior
- Caratteristiche distintive
- Rhomboidal disc, wider than long., Two prominent ocellated spots on each pectoral fin., Short, stout tail with two small dorsal fins near the tip and a caudal fin., Snout is moderately pointed., Small, sharp teeth arranged in multiple rows.
- Pinna dorsale
- Two small, similarly sized dorsal fins located close to the tip of the tail.
- Pinna caudale
- Short, stout tail with a small caudal fin at the very end.
- Pinna pettorale
- Large, wing-like pectoral fins forming the main body disc.
- Pinne distintive
- Pelvic fins are bilobed.
Consigli per l'identificazione
Ocellated Spots
Look for the two distinct, eye-like spots on the upper surface of each pectoral fin. These are usually dark-centered with a lighter ring and are a key diagnostic feature.
Disc Shape
The disc is rhomboidal and typically wider than it is long, with a moderately pointed snout.
Tail
The tail is relatively short and stout, bearing two small dorsal fins near its tip and a small caudal fin.
Dorsal Coloration
The overall brownish or grayish coloration with numerous small dark spots, in addition to the prominent ocelli, helps distinguish it.
Habitat
- Tipo di acqua
- saltwater
- Profondità
- Typically found at depths ranging from 20 to 300 meters, though most common in shallower coastal waters (20-100m).
- Ambiente
- Demersal, inhabiting sandy, muddy, or gravelly bottoms of continental shelves and upper slopes. Prefers soft substrates for burying.
- Areale geografico
- Eastern Atlantic Ocean, from the British Isles south to South Africa, including the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea. Also found in the Indian Ocean off the coast of South Africa.
Informazioni sull'acquario
- Livello di cura: expert
- Temperamento: peaceful
- Dieta: carnivore
- Dimensione minima della vasca: Not suitable for home aquaria due to size and specialized needs. Public aquariums require tanks of several thousand gallons.
- Temperatura: 10-20°C (50-68°F)
- Livello di pH: 7.8-8.4
- Durezza: High (marine salinity)
- Compatibilità: Generally compatible with other large, peaceful bottom-dwelling marine species, but requires ample space and careful monitoring.
- Requisiti speciali: Requires a very large, specialized marine aquarium with a soft substrate, excellent filtration, and stable water parameters. Not recommended for private aquarists.
Informazioni in natura
- Stato di conservazione: least concern
- Stagionalità: Can be caught year-round, but local fishing regulations and seasonal abundance may vary.
- Prezzo di mercato: Variable, depends on region and fishing effort. Generally considered a lower-value commercial species compared to larger rays.
- Importanza commerciale: medium
- Sapore: Mild, slightly sweet, often described as similar to scallops or white fish.
- Consistenza: Firm, flaky, cartilaginous.
- Metodi di cottura: Fried, Baked, Grilled, Poached, Stewed
- Valore nutrizionale: Good source of lean protein, low in fat, contains essential vitamins and minerals.
Fatti chiave
Ocellated Spotsinteresting
The common name 'quattrocchi' (four eyes) in Italian directly refers to the two prominent, eye-like spots found on each pectoral fin of this ray, a key identification feature.
Demersal Lifestylebehavior
Raja miraletus is a demersal species, meaning it lives and feeds on or near the bottom of the sea, often burying itself in sand or mud to ambush prey or hide from predators.
Egg Casesbehavior
Like all skates, Raja miraletus lays eggs in distinctive leathery egg cases, often called 'mermaid's purses,' which are typically rectangular with horn-like projections at each corner.
Dietary Habitsbehavior
Its diet primarily consists of small benthic invertebrates such as crustaceans (shrimps, crabs) and mollusks, as well as small bottom-dwelling fish.
Conservation Statusinteresting
Despite being targeted by some fisheries, Raja miraletus is currently listed as 'Least Concern' by the IUCN, indicating a relatively stable population across its wide geographic range.
Informazioni di sicurezza
Maneggiare con cura- Livello di sicurezza: caution
- Velenoso: No
- Commestibilità: edible
- Note sul maneggio: Raja miraletus, like most skates, possesses small, sharp thorns or denticles on its dorsal surface and tail, which can cause minor cuts or abrasions if handled carelessly. While not venomous, care should be taken to avoid these spines. Always handle skates by grasping the disc firmly but gently, avoiding the tail. If caught by anglers, it is best to release them carefully to minimize stress and injury to both the fish and the handler.
Specie simili
Thornback Ray
Raja clavata
Raja clavata has numerous large, thorny spines on its dorsal surface and tail, especially prominent in juveniles and females. Raja miraletus has a smoother disc with fewer, smaller thorns, primarily along the midline and tail, and the distinctive ocellated spots are usually absent or less pronounced in R. clavata.
Small-eyed Ray
Raja microocellata
Raja microocellata lacks the prominent ocellated spots on the pectoral fins. Its dorsal surface is typically plain brown or grayish with small, scattered dark spots, and its eyes are noticeably smaller relative to its head size.
Undulate Ray
Raja undulata
Raja undulata is characterized by distinctive wavy, dark lines or patterns on its dorsal surface, which are absent in Raja miraletus. While it may have some spots, they do not form the prominent ocelli seen in R. miraletus.
Classificazione scientifica
- Regno
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Classe
- Chondrichthyes
- Ordine
- Rajiformes
- Famiglia
- Rajidae
- Genere
- Raja
- Specie
- Raja miraletus
Esplora Brown Ray
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